Sex Trafficking Ring Busted in Melilla, Moroccan Ringleader Arrested

This operation, which is the work of the Central Unit against Illegal Immigration Networks and False Papers (UCRIF), made it possible to dismantle this network which operated in a building in the center of Melilla, where Moroccan women without papers were sexually exploited, indicates the local police in a press release. The building also served as a place for drug consumption.

The network took advantage of the extreme precariousness and social and economic vulnerability of the victims to subject them to prostitution. The pimp had the power of life and death over these Moroccan women who, in addition to giving him half the money obtained for each sexual service, had to pay him 500 euros per month for housing. They also suffered degrading treatment and sometimes even physical and verbal abuse from the accused who threatened to report them to the authorities so that they would be expelled from the country.

One of the victims, aged 19 but with the appearance of a child, was offered at a high price to customers whom the accused made her pass off as a minor. She was also forced to consume cocaine, he told her, to cope with the situation.

The accused is a repeat offender. According to the Melilla Investigating Court in charge of the case, he had already been arrested twice for the same offenses. The investigation continues and could lead to other arrests by the UCRIF.